In 2015, the International Fertilizer Association (IFA) launched its “Growing Smart Together” initiative, an online platform that aims to be a marketplace of ideas where a mosaic of stakeholders can share their points of views and expertise on relevant agricultural issues. IFA recognizes that the sustainability of the agricultural sector is essential for our future, and this platform gives an equal voice to scientists, farmers, policymakers, NGOs, intergovernmental organization, and business to encourage its development.

After the 68th UN General Assembly declared 2015 the International Year of Soils, Growing Smart Together decided to make soils its focus for the year. Soils are vital to our communities and livelihoods, and this platform strives to raise awareness about their importance and the significance of keeping soils healthy and fertile, as well as their essential role in food production, fighting poverty, climate change, and desertification.